In the wake of a recent crackdown on unlicensed ride-hailing services in Morocco, the international ride-hailing platform Yango has secured a new license to operate in Cameroon, marking a significant shift in its expansion strategy. The move comes after a series of intense negotiations and discussions between Yango and the Cameroonian government, culminating in an official authorization granted by the Minister of Transport, His Excellency Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallé Bibéhè, on August 16th.
This development follows Yango’s entanglement in a legal battle in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco, where the company faced allegations of operating without proper permits and approvals. The Moroccan authorities accused Yango of utilizing unlicensed vehicles and unprofessional drivers, leading to clashes with traditional taxi drivers and sparking concerns about road safety and regulatory compliance.
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In Cameroon, however, Yango’s story takes a different turn. The granting of the license signifies the Cameroonian government’s openness to working with international digital platforms while ensuring they adhere to local regulations. The decision was reached after extensive dialogues between Yango’s leadership and various Cameroonian officials, including Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motazé, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng, and Minister of Transport Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe Massena.
Yango’s participation in a three-day workshop organized by the Cameroonian Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MINPOSTEL) played a crucial role in shaping the regulatory framework. The workshop paved the way for a nuanced approach to regulating digital platforms, particularly those operating in the transportation sector. This tailored approach demonstrates a willingness to accommodate the evolving landscape of digital services while ensuring accountability.
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Clovis Pilla, Yango’s Country Manager for Cameroon, expressed gratitude for the transparent and comprehensive decision-making process. Pilla highlighted the positive implications of the license for both Yango and its Cameroonian partners. He noted that the authorization enables local transportation companies to digitize their operations, generate employment opportunities, and provide innovative, secure, and affordable transportation solutions to the Cameroonian population.
Yango’s entry into the Cameroonian market is poised to have far-reaching implications. The license not only validates Yango’s commitment to regulatory compliance but also serves as an exemplar for other digital platforms seeking to establish a presence in African markets. By fostering an environment of cooperation and dialogue, Cameroon sets a precedent for facilitating technological innovation while safeguarding national interests.
As Yango embarks on this new chapter in Cameroon, its acceptance and adherence to local regulations stand as a testament to the potential for harmonious collaboration between international digital platforms and national governments. This milestone marks not only a victory for Yango but also a promising step toward the responsible growth of the ride-hailing industry in the African continent.
Yango Cameroun Yango Cameroun
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard